READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - DOWN FOR THE COUNT by S. Marie and Victor Rahl

Down for the Count

Authors: S. Marie & Victor Rahl

Published: January 8th 2024

Genre/Tropes: MMA, Forced Proximity, Intense, Gritty, Mafia, Suspense, Alpha Male, Forbidden, Single Mom

The real me lives in the shadows, the seedy underbelly, where sin Is the only air we know how to breathe.

My dreams of going Pro are at my fingertips. But in one moment, one hit, those dreams come crashing down around me.

The money, the fame, the life I wanted to give my mother. All gone.

Once I was Kingston “The King” Reyes. Women and men had chanted my name. Worshiped me. Now I work as a postal worker by day…and at night, I crawl into the dark, seedy underbelly of sin. An illegal underground fight club, where I still reign with my fists, but where every fight could be my last.

The “Brothers,” Dutch and Dom, hold my leash while they pay for my mother’s cancer treatments. I’m their puppet, their boy toy for wealthy women and power. You don’t cross them unless you want to end up on the bottom of a river.

Corrupt darkness coats my skin, marks my bones. I don’t see any light or hope, until on my route, I meet a pint-sized, mute, little girl, who seems to look right through me. She sees past the bruises and scars, while I can hear beyond her silence.

Yet it is her mother, Sawyer, I should run from. Sexy, feisty, and smart, Sawyer’s darkness draws me in. Challenges me.

She is everything I can’t have. Everything forbidden.

But everything I want.

No matter the consequences . . .

HARDBACK EDITION

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . DOWN FOR THE COUNT . . . Intense. Determined. Driven. Protective. Love. Respect. Abuse. Violence. Selective mutism?

We begin with a flashback to the time when he was all on top and then it all crashed down around him. All in just a hair's breadth of time. It was all taken away. The future he dreamed of and worked so hard for, over. It just took that simple moment. Now, years later, his life is not what he was planning for. But here comes another moment in time. A moment that will change his life yet again. Will this one be a good or bad change? Kingston is not sure but willing to move forward anyway.

She thought herself in love years ago. She was wine, dined, and bedded. The difference between her and the others. She chose to keep her baby. She was willing to do almost anything to make sure her daughter would have what was needed. She was not looking to bankroll a high life. When she missed the signs of something being wrong with her daughter she blamed herself. Selective mutism, this was something she never heard of. Now, she has to deal. Sawyer did not see dealing with him in the picture. 

Down. Dirty. Raw. Intense. Action. Suspense. Sweet. Romance. Reunion. Relief. There was a lot in this story. There were moments when I did not think Kingston would make it to the end. Down for the Count gave a good ending but it was not the highlife ending some may wish for. It was sweet and pulled a little bit on the heart strings. I recommend picking this one up.

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR S. Marie lives in the PNW with her dog Cooper, traveling and writing stories that are full of spice, angst, and emotional damage.

Meet Victor Rahl, the Spanish-born athlete and model who conquered the wrestling world in his homeland before making his mark in the USA. You might recognize him from Love Island USA Season 5, where he joined the OG cast for an unforgettable summer in Fiji.

But Victor's talents don't end there. He's become a sensation in the world of romance novels, thanks to TikTok, where he not only reads these novels but also supports women. In just a few months, he's graced the covers of over 20 romance novels, making him a sought-after book model.

Off-camera, Victor is a passionate traveler who loves immersing himself in different cultures and adores all kinds of animals.

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - RELENTLESS: The Legacy Rises (Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #3) by Kathry C. Kelly

 Relentless

Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #3

by Kathryn C. Kelly

Genre: Contemporary MC Romance

In the gripping sequel to "Restless," Christopher "Outlaw" Caldwell's transformation into a devoted family man is put to the ultimate test. Once feared for his ruthlessness, he finds himself drifting further away from his notorious MC leader persona as he navigates the aftermath of his youngest child’s turbulent entrance into the world.

As Jo experiences a new set of challenges, he only spirals further, affecting everyone around him. Most especially his wife, Megan, who struggles to traverse her grief as she enters a new stage in her life while dealing with a hard-headed bully.

Amidst this chaos, CJ, Outlaw and Meggie's son, struggles to hold everything together as his parents falter. He has a hard time recognizing his developing feelings for a girl who isn't Harley Banks, causing further complications in his already tumultuous life.

Meanwhile, Bash still lurks, and as his reign of terror continues, the kids of the MC learn what it means to be a Death Dweller.

In this gritty and emotionally charged sequel, "Relentless" delves deeper into the complexities of family, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life within the MC world. Will Outlaw's transformation be enough to protect those he loves, or will the past catch up with him, threatening to tear everything apart?

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The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . RELENTLESS: The Legacy Rises (Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #3) . . .  The Ultimate Test of Loyalty: Chaos and Heartbreak in the MC! RELENTLESS is a gritty, emotionally charged sequel that truly dives into the complexities of family loyalty and harsh reality within the Death Dwellers MC world. This installment shifts focus, putting Outlaw (Christopher Caldwell) and Megan at the center of a devastating emotional spiral.

Outlaw's transformation into a devoted family man is severely tested as he navigates the aftermath of a turbulent entrance into the world for his youngest child, sending him drifting further from his notorious MC leader persona. Watching him and Megan struggle to traverse their grief and deal with new challenges—including a hard-headed bully—is raw and incredibly impactful. The emotional toll on the parental generation is felt deeply throughout the story.

Amidst this chaos, CJ, their son, steps up yet again, struggling to hold everything together as his parents falter. His personal journey continues with a heartbreaking twist as he battles developing feelings for a new girl, further complicating his already tumultuous life and the shadow of his past with Harley.

As if family drama wasn't enough, Bash still lurks, and his reign of terror forces the kids of the MC to truly learn what it means to be a Death Dweller. The ultimate question the book poses—Will Outlaw's transformation be enough to protect those he loves, or will the past finally catch up with him, threatening to tear everything apart?—makes for an unputdownable read.

Kathryn C. Kelly delivers a powerful, emotional journey that showcases the strength of family bonds even when they are severely fractured. This is a must-read for fans of contemporary MC romance that explores the harsh reality of this life. 

In her dreams, Kathryn C. Kelly is a flirtatious biker babe with the rumble of a hog between her legs and a shirtless bad boy wrapped in her arms. Kathryn and her bad ass biker boy spend their evenings tossing back great scotch (Chivas Regal) and fighting over who is better at Cards against Humanity (she is, obviously.)

In her reality, Kathryn is a native New Orleanian who has survived Hurricane Katrina and breast

cancer. Now she’s hoping to survive three lively girls. While not playing Wonder Mom, Kathryn can be found putting all those dreams into the pages of her next Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club novel.

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - RESTLESS: The Legacy Continues (Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #2) by Kathryn C. Kelly

Restless
Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #2

by Kathryn C. Kelly

Genre: Contemporary MC Romance

In the gripping second installment of the Death Dweller MC’s Legacy Series, "Restless," CJ Caldwell finds himself facing more challenges and heartbreak than ever before. Still grappling with a devastating family tragedy, CJ is now also dealing with the fractured relationship between him and his once-best friend, Harley. Her erratic behavior has not only destroyed their friendship, but it also threatens to unravel other important relationships in CJ's life.
As CJ's parents struggle with their own personal issues, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on CJ's young shoulders. He must step up and take care of his siblings while navigating the complex dynamics of a broken family. But little does he know, danger lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce when he least expects it.

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The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . RESTLESS: The Legacy Continues (Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #2) . . . Heartbreak, Hidden Dangers, and the Heavy Weight of Legacy! Restless is an emotionally charged continuation of the Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, and it plunges the reader deeper into CJ Caldwell's turbulent world. The title is perfect because it perfectly captures the anxiety and turmoil that permeates every aspect of his young life.

We find CJ still reeling from a devastating family tragedy, but the worst of his current struggles is the fractured relationship with his once-best friend, Harley. Her erratic, self-destructive behavior is painful to witness, and it doesn't just destroy their friendship—it threatens to unravel the delicate bonds holding CJ's life together. The emotional intensity of their separation and heartbreak is raw and absolutely compelling.

With his parents grappling with their own personal issues, the weight of responsibility falls heavily on CJ’s young shoulders. Seeing him step up to take care of his siblings and navigate the complex, often broken, dynamics of his family shows immense character growth. This book is a powerful exploration of duty, sacrifice, and the relentless pressure of carrying an MC legacy.

As CJ tries to hold everything together, danger lurks relentlessly in the shadows, ready to pounce when he least expects it. Restless is a fantastic follow-up that ratchets up both the emotional stakes and the suspense. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves an MC series that offers deep character work alongside the thrilling action!

In her dreams, Kathryn C. Kelly is a flirtatious biker babe with the rumble of a hog between her legs and a shirtless bad boy wrapped in her arms. Kathryn and her bad ass biker boy spend their evenings tossing back great scotch (Chivas Regal) and fighting over who is better at Cards against Humanity (she is, obviously.)

In her reality, Kathryn is a native New Orleanian who has survived Hurricane Katrina and breast

cancer. Now she’s hoping to survive three lively girls. While not playing Wonder Mom, Kathryn can be found putting all those dreams into the pages of her next Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club novel.

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - RECKLESS: The Legacy Begins (Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #1) by Kathryn C. Kelly

Reckless
Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #1

by Kathryn C. Kelly

Genre: Contemporary MC Romance

Sixteen-year-old CJ Caldwell struggles to live up to the reputation of his legendary father, Outlaw. He dreams of joining the Death Dwellers, but he's expected to finish high school and go to college before he can even be considered.

To make matters worse, the only girl he wants, Harley Banks, has rejected him, breaking his heart. Little does he know, she's breaking her own heart too. CJ must navigate the challenges of becoming a man, coping with heartbreak, and saving his cousin Ryan from dangerous influences.

In this gripping coming-of-age tale, CJ learns that being reckless can have serious consequences, and that sometimes, the hardest thing to do is the right thing.

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The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . RECKLESS: The Legacy Begins (Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, #1) . . . Intense Coming-of-Age in the MC World: A Struggle for Legacy and Love! Reckless dives straight into the volatile world of the Death Dwellers MC Legacy Generation, giving us an emotionally raw look at what it means to grow up under a legend's shadow.

Sixteen-year-old CJ Caldwell carries the heavy burden of his father, Outlaw's, reputation. He desperately dreams of earning his patch, but the road is paved with expectations—finish school, go to college—before he can even be considered. This isn't just a biker book; it's a gripping coming-of-age tale about a young man trying to forge his own identity while navigating the intense pressures of a notorious MC family.

The emotional core of this story is the painful push-and-pull with Harley Banks. Her rejection breaks CJ's heart, but the underlying knowledge that she's breaking her own as well adds a poignant layer of forbidden romance and sacrifice. This isn't puppy love; it's deep-seated heartbreak that drives a lot of CJ's actions.

The stakes are raised further as CJ must cope with heartbreak and simultaneously try to save his cousin, Ryan, from dangerous influences. The plot is thrilling, forcing CJ to learn that being reckless has serious, immediate consequences, and that sometimes, the hardest and most painful path is the only one that's right.

Kathryn C. Kelly delivers a fantastic start to this new generation's story, full of family bonds, first love, and the dangerous lessons of the MC world. This book is a must-read for fans of contemporary MC romance who love a deep dive into character struggles and high emotional tension.

In her dreams, Kathryn C. Kelly is a flirtatious biker babe with the rumble of a hog between her legs and a shirtless bad boy wrapped in her arms. Kathryn and her bad ass biker boy spend their evenings tossing back great scotch (Chivas Regal) and fighting over who is better at Cards against Humanity (she is, obviously.)

In her reality, Kathryn is a native New Orleanian who has survived Hurricane Katrina and breast

cancer. Now she’s hoping to survive three lively girls. While not playing Wonder Mom, Kathryn can be found putting all those dreams into the pages of her next Death Dwellers Motorcycle Club novel.

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READ-2-REVIEW - CONTEMPORARY - ABEL (Broken Falls, #2) by Laramie Briscoe

Abel
Broken Falls, #2
by Laramie Briscoe 
Release Date: March 15th 2024 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

A year worth of flirting comes down to this kiss...

Abel

I've eaten more tacos the past year than I have my entire life. It's not because I love those little handfuls of goodness (although I do). It's because of the woman who runs the local food truck Let's Taco Bout It. Seeing her makes my day, and while I can't admit my feelings, I can at least see her smile.

Until Halloween. When a man gives her attention she doesn't want, she pretends we're together, and lays a kiss on me that I'll never forget.

Kara

I've spent the last year watching the hottie in the constantly torn and dirty jeans eating shyly walking up to my food truck and ordering the same thing each time. I've done my best to drag him out of his shell, but nothing works until a night of unwanted attention forces me to make a move. 

Now? He's hanging around even more, and when his husky voice calls me his girlfriend? I melt into a puddle, and he's the only one who can pick me up and put me back together again. 

Abel is book two in The Broken Falls Series: a series of interconnected standalones following a group of friends who have become family in small-town West Virginia, and the women who bring them to their knees. You do not have to read them in order, but each book builds upon the relationships of the last. 

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The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . ABEL (Broken Falls, #2) . . . Abel is up and things are not so simple. The woman he has been flirty with for over a year has made her move. This Halloween was filled with sparks that he can not forget or move forward on. Kara places the ball in his court. What will he do with it?

Kara was by simple standards a newbie to the small town of Broken Falls. She came to town with a hope, wish, and a prayer. She had no true family support, but she had something just as strong. A best friend, Alexis. She worked hard to make her dreams and her future come true. She was also attracted to Abel. For a year the two of them exchanged flirtations. She was no longer willing to wait. She makes her move and places any further progress in Abel's hands. 

Abel was a simple man on the outside. He loved his friends and his family. He had a great relationship with his father. He had a so-so relationship with his mother until something changed all that. Life has a way of making things happen. Sometimes we are not equipped to handle it. Sometimes we have extra support in our corner. 

Abel and Kara were on a path forward. They have found their stride. She has become a big part of his life and his family. Kara has found what she was missing. All of it with the one man before. She has found love, life, acceptance, and family. Up next Jasper. I want to know how he made that step with someone that wished him harm. May 2024 is not coming fast enough.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Easy-to-read Realistic Wonderful characters Entertaining Found family Strong friendship

Laramie Briscoe is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books, with sales of over half a million copies.

Since self-publishing her first book in May of 2013, Laramie has appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling E-books Lists on Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Her books have been known to make readers laugh and cry. They are guaranteed to be emotional, steamy reads.

When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix. Married to her high school sweetheart, Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband.

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